Are you facing a pile of logs and wondering if your wood chipper is up to the task? It’s a common question, and getting the right answer can save you a lot of time and effort.
Wood chippers can handle a wide range of log sizes, with smaller models typically processing branches up to 12-15 cm in diameter 723 and industrial-grade chippers, like horizontal grinders, capable of processing logs and branches up to 150 cm (50 cm for standard wood chippers) in diameter 710.
I’ve spent 14 years in heavy equipment export, with 8 years focused specifically on wood processing machinery 19. I’ve seen firsthand the evolution of these machines. What might seem like an impossible log for one chipper is just another day's work for a larger, more powerful model. Our factory has over 20 years of experience, and we produce over 260 machines annually, shipping to more than 60 countries 91112. We design our chippers to handle various raw material sizes, using hydraulic forced feeding systems that adjust to different diameters, ensuring optimal performance and higher output 1.
How big a branch can a chipper handle?
Do you have a lot of tree trimming to do, and you're unsure if your chipper can take it all on? Understanding chipper capacity is key to efficient work.
The size of branches a wood chipper can handle depends on the specific model, with typical capacities ranging from small, portable units that process branches up to 12cm in diameter to larger professional models accommodating branches between 15cm and 40cm 1623.
From my experience, the capacity of a wood chipper is often underestimated. For example, our smaller Garden Series 600 model, which is quite popular, can handle wood up to 12cm in diameter 23. If you step up to the Garden 800 model, it processes branches up to 15cm 5. We even have models designed for materials up to 40 cm in diameter 11. The key isn't just the maximum diameter, but also how efficiently the machine pulls the material in. Our chippers feature intelligent feeding systems that monitor the load and prevent blockages by automatically adjusting the feed speed 1. This ensures smoother operation even when you're feeding in larger, tougher branches.
What are the limits for common wood chipper models?
Are you confused by the different specifications for wood chippers and what they mean for your branches? Let me break down the typical limits so you can make an informed choice.
The typical limits for common wood chipper models vary by size and design, ranging from small "garden" chippers handling 12-15cm branches to medium-duty mobile chippers processing up to 25cm, and heavy-duty industrial chippers designed for branches up to 40-50cm, with each model offering specific capacities tailored to different needs 71123.
| Model Category | Max Branch Diameter | Key Features & Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Garden Chipper | 12 cm to 15 cm | Our ZSYL-600 model handles up to 12cm 2, while the ZSYL-800 processes up to 15cm 5. Ideal for small-scale garden waste and general yard cleanup. |
| Mobile Chipper | 25 cm | Our ZSYL-1053 model handles up to 25cm. These machines are often road-towable and versatile for landscaping and tree care 24. |
| Industrial Chipper | 40 cm to 50 cm | Our larger wood chippers can process wood up to 50 cm in diameter 7913. These are designed for heavy-duty work, large-scale cleanup, and biomass production 1115. |
I've learned that choosing the right model isn't just about the maximum diameter listed on the spec sheet. It's about matching the chipper's capabilities to your work. For example, if you're regularly clearing large amounts of dense wood, a hydraulic forced feeding system and a robust engine, which our machines offer, become critical for efficiency and preventing jams 1. This significantly boosts the machine's ability to handle larger, more challenging branches consistently 1.
Can wood chippers handle logs?
You might be looking at a fallen tree or a stack of logs and wondering if your wood chipper is truly capable of processing them. It's a valid concern, as not all chippers are made for logs.
While smaller wood chippers primarily handle branches and small limbs, many industrial-grade wood chippers and horizontal grinders are specifically designed to handle logs, with capacities for processing diameters ranging from 40 cm up to 150 cm depending on the model and type of machine 71011.
In my 22 years at Zhangsheng, manufacturing and exporting wood recycling equipment, I’ve seen our machines tackle everything from small branches to significant logs 17. A standard wood chipper can process wood up to 50 cm in diameter 78914. However, our industrial-grade horizontal grinders are truly built for heavy-duty log processing, capable of handling logs and various wood waste up to 150 cm in diameter 10. I remember visiting a forestry client who was using one of our larger models, feeding it logs that were easily over a foot thick, and it processed them without any trouble 16. This capability comes from robust engine power, wide infeed openings, and powerful hydraulic feed rollers that actively pull the material into the cutting drum 16.
What is the difference between a wood chipper and a horizontal grinder when it comes to logs?
Are you confused about choosing between a traditional wood chipper and a horizontal grinder for your log-processing needs? Knowing the distinctions is crucial.
The main difference between a wood chipper and a horizontal grinder for logs lies in their design and capacity: wood chippers handle logs up to approximately 50 cm in diameter and produce smaller, more uniform chips, while horizontal grinders are built for much larger logs (up to 150 cm) and produce a wider range of output sizes 71011.
| Feature | Wood Chipper | Horizontal Grinder (Industrial) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Log Diameter | Up to 50 cm 711 | Up to 150 cm 1011 |
| Input Material | Designed for materials up to 40 cm, like branches and small logs 11. | Built for heavy-duty work with various materials, including large logs, trees, and pallets 1011. |
| Output Size | Produces material from 5-30 mm, ideal for mulching, urban cleanup, and fuel production 1115. | Produces adjustable material from 5-300 mm, suitable for land clearing, debris removal, and biomass production 1011. |
| Capacity | Typically 1-10 tons per hour (TPH) 1110. | Higher capacity, ranging from 10-50 TPH 10112022. |
| Mobility | Often lightweight and mobile, ideal for use in orchards or urban gardens 12. | Available in both stationary and mobile (tracked or wheeled) options, designed for high production and demanding environments 11. |
I've learned that if you're dealing with serious log processing, especially in large volumes or difficult terrain, a horizontal grinder is the way to go. For instance, our Horizontal Grinder Model 1400 can handle logs up to 1400mm x 1000mm 10. These machines are often chosen for land clearing, post-disaster debris removal, and producing biomass fuel for power plants 10. Meanwhile, a standard drum-type wood chipper, like those we produce, excels at handling smaller whole trees or branches to create uniform wood chips 21. It’s about matching the tool to the task for optimal efficiency and output.
Conclusion
Wood chippers and horizontal grinders from manufacturers like Zhangsheng can handle a wide range of log and branch sizes, from small branches up to 12cm for garden chippers to very large logs up to 150cm for industrial horizontal grinders 710111623. Understanding the specific capabilities of each machine—whether it's a mobile chipper for branches or a heavy-duty grinder for large logs—is key to efficient and effective wood processing 11.
